As our agricultural producers may be aware, the Prime Minister recently announced that Canada will be closing its border to all non-citizens starting March 18th at noon. While it’s important to stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s not clear what this means for farmers who have workers coming to help on their farms this season through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).

Having access to workers through both of these programs is essential in order to supply Canadians with the food that they need. I want to assure you that my Conservative colleagues responsible for the Agriculture and Immigration files have contacted their counterparts in the Government for answers. When we receive those answers, I will update you immediately.

I ask that you please share this message with all producers who rely on foreign workers. If you have any other questions related to COVID-19, please feel free to contact my office toll-free at 1-866-496-3400 or at diane.finley@parl.gc.ca